I don't have Cable TV. I don't have Satellite TV. I don't have any regrets about that. Because of the facts that I just placed into evidence, I'm certainly not the leading authority when it comes to the Fox News Channel. We do have Sirius/XM Radio in one of our vehicles, and I've listened to Fox News before while driving (although my children and I much prefer "Forties on Four" and "The Message"). I sometimes visit family who have Cable TV or Satellite TV, and I've consumed some Fox News programs there. We once had Dish Network TV, and the Fox News Channel was a part of our package. Indeed, … [Read more...] about Why Hate Fox News?
Biblical Corporate Prayer
Often when groups of Christians or local congregations gather together to pray, they do so with specific purposes or to share prayer requests and intercede for each other. Even in these gatherings some people do not often know what to share or what they should be sharing because they either don't feel comfortable or aren't sure whether or not their desires or thoughts line up with what Christians have or should be praying for in prayer groups. At our church, we have intentionally made corporate prayer part of each gathering we have, whether it is before worship services, during worship … [Read more...] about Biblical Corporate Prayer
When An Orange is Green
You sit down to eat your lunch and begin peeling your orange, when your lunch buddy makes a strange comment. “Why in the world do they call it an orange if it is green?” After gaining your composure, you realize your friend is likely color blind and unable to see the difference between orange and green. To him this orb in your hand is green and nothing you say is going to change that “fact”. He insists that the burden of proof is on you. In order for him to believe that this orange is actually orange you will have to prove it. Secondly, he insists that only six colors exist and every … [Read more...] about When An Orange is Green
A Baptist’s bookshelf: A new commentary on Exodus
A Baptist minister’s bookshelf is sacred. It bears the weight of centuries of thought from people of all different backgrounds and faith traditions. A Baptist minister often relies on the recommendations of others when deciding what books to add to his library. That’s why I’ve decided to do periodic book reviews of new titles I’ve added to my library from the standpoint of being a Baptist in the SBC. My most recent scholarly addition is A Commentary on Exodus from the Kregel Exegetical Library series. This is a relatively new commentary series, but the volumes that are already out by Allen … [Read more...] about A Baptist’s bookshelf: A new commentary on Exodus
So, you want to be a pastor?
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. ~1 Timothy 3:1 I must say, I’m one of those guys that leadership books make me cringe. As I’ve worked on a D.Min in church revitalization, I’ve read a lot of them; and very few have much to do with what the Bible actually talks about in terms of leadership. In fact, it seems exceedingly odd to me that books for pastors about being pastors rarely seem to quote scripture for pastors about being pastors. So I want to take a moment and go to one of those passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7. As it speaks to … [Read more...] about So, you want to be a pastor?
The Good Life: Settling
If I had to make a list of life shaping events, no doubt two moments from February 2010 would be somewhere near the top. The first was the day we found out Brittany was pregnant with Reid. The second was the next day: we moved out of our apartment and into our first home, which we still live in today. These two days were some of the most exciting and joyful days of my life. I’m sure these events could bring to mind other words to use besides the combination of exciting and life shaping. "Sure these are big events, but life shaping? They seem rather normal to me.” Precisely. These events were … [Read more...] about The Good Life: Settling
Is a Georgia Baptist College Covering Up Racism? (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
This post was originally published at Dwight's blog, "A New Blog for a Pneuma Time." Comments here are closed. The Bible says, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). Three witnesses recently came forth to deliver charges of racially offensive comments from the lips of Dr. Ergun Caner, who recently resigned as President of Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia. Dr. Caner did not resign when faced with the allegations of racist remarks. His trustee board—including Michael Pigg, a Black trustee—all stood by him. They did … [Read more...] about Is a Georgia Baptist College Covering Up Racism? (by Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.)
Cultural References I Can’t Use Anymore
I’ve been preaching to teenagers for about twelve years now. When I first started I was barely older than they were. In those good old days I could make a reference to something from my childhood and the kids would track with me. Now I just get blank stares when I try to use some of these: Michael Jordan and his tongue wagging. It’s sad. I know. But only one student in my current youth group has seen Michael play. Ever. Zack Morris and his oversized cell phone. That means that none of them know Kelly Kapowski or AC Slater. The glories of Saved by the Bell are lost on them. In West … [Read more...] about Cultural References I Can’t Use Anymore
Leadership for Dummies, it is not that complicated
What amazes me when I study leadership (in and out of the church) is how there are so many common themes I hear over and over again. Leaders (Senior Pastors, laypeople, etc) need to be honest, approachable, accountable, and consistent. What frustrates me is when I look back at myself, I knew what to do but too often failed at the most common things. Here are 10 reminders of the basics of leadership, "Leadership for Dummies, it is not that hard!" Genuinely care about people. People from all backgrounds and socioeconomic status, want to be cared for authentically and respected for who they … [Read more...] about Leadership for Dummies, it is not that complicated
I Can Only Imagine
This is for the people of Southern Hills. This is my sermon today. Since most of you had the good sense to stay home, I decided not to start my new series. Next week, Lord willing and weather permitting, we'll get into Colossians 3:1-17. but today I went back and pulled out this from long ago (2006) on the glory of heaven. Since we don't do podcasts or simulcasts or any of the fancy stuff, here's your sermon, folks. The rest of you can follow along if you wish. One of the odd parts of my trip to Senegal was how little I knew about it before I left. Since Bart Barber was in charge, he made … [Read more...] about I Can Only Imagine